Newcastle eye a move for 25 y/o “nuisance” amid Isak drama

Newcastle United have been one of the most talked-about clubs in the summer transfer window, and the spotlight shows no sign of fading.

The Magpies have done some shrewd business with the signings of Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Jacob Ramsey, strengthening their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign.

However, those important acquisitions have been largely overshadowed by the ongoing saga involving striker Alexander Isak, which took a fresh twist last night when the Sweden international broke his silence on Instagram.

Isak claimed that “promises are broken and trust is lost” regarding his situation at St James’ Park – an implication the club strongly denied in a statement released shortly afterwards.

Newcastle reiterated their stance with the following response:

“We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.

We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions, and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.

We do not foresee those conditions being met.

This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”

Despite the club’s firm stance, Newcastle remain determined to bring in a striker to replace Callum Wilson before the window closes, having spent months trying to secure the right target.

There have been a series of near-misses, with Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko all moving elsewhere in the Premier League.

Now, talkSPORT report that Newcastle are maintaining a strong interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jørgen Strand Larsen.

The broadcaster claims Eddie Howe has even contacted one of the striker’s former coaches for a character reference, after struggling to land Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

However, it is further noted that Wolves have no intention of selling Strand Larsen, viewing him as the team’s source of goals following Matheus Cunha’s departure.

Will Newcastle sign another striker?

Although Newcastle may take comfort from standing firm over Isak, there is no guarantee he can be smoothly reintegrated in the immediate future.

The North East giants have returned to Premier League action and will soon embark on their European campaign, making reliable firepower essential.

For that reason, pushing for another striker remains a no-brainer and Strand Larsen would certainly fit the bill.

The 25-year-old Norwegian, once hailed a “nuisance” by Alan Shearer, only completed a permanent move to Molineux this summer after an impressive loan spell.

Over 35 Premier League appearances, he netted 14 goals and provided four assists, averaging a goal contribution every 144 minutes, a remarkable output for a debut season.

With those numbers, it’s easy to see why Howe thinks he is an attractive prospect.

But with Wolves unwilling to sell, a move may be a waste of time for the Magpies at this point and with less than two weeks to secure a striker, they will need to move on fast.

About the Author

Rebekka Arnold

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Rebekka Arnold is an experienced writer with a strong background in digital media, PR and football journalism. Since 2021, Rebekka has written opinion pieces and match reaction content for Football Fancast, part of the Snack Media network, building on her growing presence in the football community through viral Twitter content and podcasting. Now at Transfer Tavern, Rebekka brings her sharp eye for analysis and deep passion for the game to deliver engaging football opinion and breaking transfer news content.

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